ADVANTAGES OF BREAST MILK OVER MILK FORMULA

The following points are considered as advantages of breast milk (human milk) over the milk formula

The breast milk (human milk) is enriched with omega 3 fatty acids such as DHA and AA which are essential for brain development. The fat content of breast milk automatically adjusts itself to the growing needs of the infants. The level of these fatty acids proportionally declines, as the baby grows older. These characteristics are completely lacking in milk formula.

• Breast milk is rich in good cholesterol, it is almost absorbed from the intestine and endowed with lipase, which helps in splitting fat and its subsequent absorption.

• The protein present in breast milk will form soft curd and whey proteins are easily digestible. Higher amounts are present in the milk of mothers who deliver preterm. Breast milk is rich in lactoferrin, an iron binding protein, which acts as a natural antibiotic by binding with the iron present in the food and thereby making it unavailable for use by microorganisms and hence resulting in their destruction.

• It is also endowed with lysozyme, which helps in lysing the cell walls of bacteria. The protein components present in breast milk is ssential for body and brain building activities and provided with good amounts of growth factors and sleep inducing proteins. These components are lacking in milk supplements.

• The major component of carbohydrate present in breast milk, otherwise known as lactose, is present at higher concentration (6.89%) when compared to cow milk or milk substitutes, is essential for brain development, and the oligosaccharides present aid in the intestinal health.

• Breast milk is a rich source of immunoglobulins, especially, colostrum. The white blood cells, which act as a first line of defense in combating infection, are present in millions in human milk. Naturally it confers protection against the invader.

• The vitamins and minerals present in breast milk are in proper proportions so that they are easily and completely absorbed. The minerals especially, iron, zinc and calcium are better absorbed. It is rich in antioxidant selenium.

• Breast milk is a rich source of digestive enzymes viz. lipase and amylase which helps in digesting the food properly. It is also rich in hormones especially, thyroxine, prolactin and more than fifteen other components. It varies with the diet of the mother.

• A mother has to spend about $600 extra a year to breastfeed her young one whereas the milk formula costs around $1200 a year. If the young one becomes allergic to ordinary supplements, then $2,500 a year has to be spent for hypoallergenic formulas. This illustrates the economy of breast feeding over the use of milk formula.

The above said advantages clearly point to one simple thing

BREAST MILK is the BEST MILK

the best milk is BREAST MILK